Mr. M. MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that heavy freight charges and passenger fares on the MacBrayne's services between the Western Isles and the mainland ports have long been discouraging economic development and the tourist industry in the isles; and whether he will have a full public inquiry made into the problem.
§ Mr. MaclayAs the hon. Member is aware, considerable assistance is already given to the economy of the Western Isles by the annual grant that is paid by the Government to Messrs. David MacBrayne Ltd. The level of the company's sea freight charges and passenger fares is kept continually under review in accordance with the provisions of the agreement between the Government and the company, and I am not satisfied that an inquiry such as the hon. Member suggests would add to our knowledge of the problem of transport costs in this area.